Washington, D.C. – Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04), Chairman of the House Armed Services Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, will chair a hearing on the modernization of Chinese naval forces on Wednesday, December 11 at 3:30 PM. The hearing will be part of the Armed Services Committee’s bipartisan Asia-Pacific Security Oversight Series, which Congressman Forbes co-leads.

“As recent events in the East China Sea have demonstrated, China’s growing assertiveness and opaque military modernization efforts have created a potentially volatile situation in the Asia-Pacific,” Congressman Forbes said. “As China has undergone a concerted effort to again become a strong maritime power, it is critical that we understand the challenges this development poses if we are to adequately structure and resource our forces in the region to continue to safeguard U.S. interests.”

WASHINGTON- Today, at a media roundtable, Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and Rep. Adam Smith (D- WA), respectively Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, unveiled a slate of oversight activities focused on the “Asia Pacific Rebalance”. The oversight effort will be led by Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA), Chairman of the Seapower Subcommittee and Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI).

Speaking on the agenda ahead, Rep. Forbes said, “I want to thank Chairman McKeon for the opportunity to lead this important effort with my friend and colleague, Rep. Hanabusa. Although it is often said, it is worth repeating: U.S. policy towards the Asia-Pacific remains a truly bipartisan effort. I understand there are a variety of perspectives on the region and the long-term security role our Nation should play there. I can say with confidence there is a broad consensus at a strategic level to continue the now seven-decade old project to maintain a stable balance of power in the region. What this series will explore are some of the operational and tactical-level questions that concern our future posture in the region. What shape should our naval posture and presence look like? What role will the Army and Marine Corps play? How should our allies contribute and what are the limitations to cooperation? I look forward to exploring these questions and more as we begin this process.

Rep. Hanabusa added, “The Obama administration has recognized that strategically, economically, and diplomatically, the Asia-Pacific region will provide our greatest challenges and opportunities going forward. It is time for Congress to devote more of our resources and energy to providing leadership in this arena. All of us, particularly those on the Armed Services Committees, have a responsibility to consider the long-term demands on our military power. This series aims to enhance the understanding of Asia-Pacific Security issues for both our colleagues in Congress and the general public.”

This oversight series includes a broad mix of hearings, closed briefings, and other committee engagements. The Committee will reach out to solicit views from former PACOM officials, regional ambassadors, and respected thought leaders on U.S. defense posture in the Asia-Pacific. Highlights of planned hearings are listed below. The events are expected to take place between now and early 2014 and include:

2013 Report to Congress of the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission